Analysis of drilling wastes disposal methods effectiveness in Russian arctic offshore fields

Abstract

Oil and gas wells have been drilled for over a century. In the early years of the industry, little attention was usually given to suitable management of drilling wastes. In accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation regarding the collection and disposal of drilling wastes, it is necessary to introduce the most environmentally safe methods. Russian law requires removal of all drill cuttings for disposal in an approved method immediately after installation of the conductor casing. Moreover, as a precondition to the development of the field the law requires assessment of the impact of the project on the environment and society, and the chosen method of disposal must be approved by local and Federal authorities. A choice of several suitable drilling waste management practices currently exists. Operators select the most appropriate waste management option on the basis of regulatory requirements, cost and the concerns of future environmental liability. The objective of the work is to analyse different methods of drilling waste disposal and make an analysis of effectiveness for these methods regarding Russian arctic offshore conditions.